Egypt and Nile Cruise Oct. 24 - Nov. 4, 2019

Tue, January 7 – We fly out of O’Hare arriving in Lima, Peru this evening and are transferred to a nearby hotel for a good night’s rest.  

Wed, January 8 – We’ll travel to the capital of the Inca Empire this morning.  A one-hour flight over the spectacular Andes Mountains takes us to the Sacred Valley and Cusco. This area is home to   archeological sites and small towns. Prepare to experience a balance of what was and what is…ancient civilization and modern life. Our first stop, Sacsayhuaman, features some of the largest and most impressive stonework of the Incas. Ponder how these massive limestone boulders were moved, carved and positioned so that not even a sheet of paper fit between them. Next, participate in a ceremonial offering to Mother Earth and learn about the role of weaving in Peruvian culture.  Enjoy a traditional lunch at a private estate which has an impressive collection of Inca and colonial artifacts. Later this afternoon we check into an Andean paradise with fragrant gardens and mountain views. B/L/D  

Thur, January 9 – We head to Moray, an important former Inca ruins site. Its multi-terraced architecture made it an advanced bio-agricultural laboratory in its time. Changes in altitude between levels allowed them to experiment with different conditions and ultimately allowed the Inca to perfect farming techniques.  We then visit Quechua and participate in a Pachamanca ceremony which pays homage to Mother Earth. Here meats and produce are cooked in a baking hole under-ground using heat from stones left in a fire. It’s a custom celebrating the fertility of the earth.  After lunch we visit the salt ponds of Maras where a cascade of thermal springs provided salt for area residents.  Return this afternoon for a second  night at your hotel. B/L/D  

Fri, January 10 – Today we travel to the royal estate of the ninth Inca, Pachacuti,  and the only remaining example of pre-Colombian urban planning, Ollantaytambo. It still retains the original street plan and foundations of the Incas. Later this morning we experience one of the great train rides on our journey to Machu Picchu. View the mighty Urubamba River as it carves its way next to our train. We descend into the cloud forest and arrive in Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu.  You are free this afternoon to visit the local market or the hot springs.B/L/D  

Sat, January 11 – Take a short bus ride through a tropical forest to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Flanked by Andean peaks on all sides and the Urubamba River gorge below, it’s no wonder the Spanish were unable to find this secret hideaway. Journey back in time with our guide on our walking tour to learn about the mysterious origins of this other-world citadel which served as a private retreat for Inca royals. Marvel at the intricate, sophisticated stonework of its dwellings, terraces and water-ways; all of which makes Machu Picchu one of the greatest architectural achieve-ments of all times.  We’ll visit a sacred stone carved to mark the solstice and determine the beginning and end of each agricultural year. Later watch the clouds of mist roll in over the mountains or opt for an exhilarating hike up the summit of Wayna Picchu for an unparalleled aerial view of the ruins. We return to Cusco tonight.  B/L  

Sun, January 12 – We meet our guide and explore Cusco this morning.  This is the capital of the Inca Empire and is known as the “Navel of the World” in the Quechua language. Quechua speaking descendants fill the streets proving that this ancient culture is still vibrant.  We’ll wander down cobbled walkways with our guide admiring the Inca and Spanish influence. Stop at the Coricancha, a temple dedicated to the sun, once covered with sheets of gold and filled with golden figures and statues. Later this morning visit the public market with its local meats, cheeses, fruit and vegetables as well as unusual items like guinea pig and live frogs. Take this afternoon to explore Cusco’s artisan shops or search for the “twelve-sided stone”.     B/L  

Mon, January 13 – This morning we’ll fly to Puerto Maldonado, Amazon basin, for a 45-minute boat ride in a canoe down the Made de Dios River to our lodge. Settle into your beautiful cabana and then enjoy lunch. Take a siesta, join teatime and get ready for an afternoon excursion. Enjoy a guided walk to discover the Amazon Basin  and learn about the forest environment as you wander past impressive trees and strangler figs. It’s a great opportunity for bird watching and observing exotic insects. Some 14 different excursions are available while staying at this lodge.  Later the River by Night excursion is recommended as animals and birds of the day give way to species adapted to the night. Search for nightjars, owls, capybaras and big caimans.  Enjoy cocktails before dinner. Later retire early to your own cabana or join a naturalist to talk about life in the rainforest and listen to the sounds of the jungle at night.  B/L/D     

Tue, January 14 – Rise for 5:30am breakfast to avoid the heat and enjoy nature at its fullest. A full buffet is available later.  This morning opt for a glide in a wooden canoe across a mirror-like lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, as well as red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, and side-neck turtles. After lunch consider a visit to a canopy walk 29-meters above the forest floor. Descend from the canopy and experience a 200-meter walk along a wooden bridge to observe various species in this lush ecosystem.   Visit the Ecomedia Center before dinner for a nature presentation.B/L/D    

Tue, January 15 – Take a boat ride to explore the rain forest along the banks of a winding, dark-water creek, home to piranhas, caimans, turtles and birds. Upon reaching the embarkation point, board a canoe and navigate back downstream as abundant flora and fauna pass by.  We return to a farm for a picnic lunch and guided tour to see how local farmers raise fruits and vegetables. We return to the lodge for R&R. The spa offers aromatherapy, reflexology services as well as traditional services.  It’s also a great place to watch an Amazonian sunset on our last night of our trip. B/L/D  

Wed, January 16 – After breakfast we retrace our journey to Puerto Maldonado to visit the Butterfly House.  Peru boasts having the most butterflies in the world with 3,700 known species. Many can be seen at the House. Later we transfer to Lima via Cusco for our overnight flight home.  B